Common Name: Dakama

General Information

Dakama is most often found as a small coppice tree or shrub in the open, but in some locations it develops into a large well-formed tree with a broad crown; it can grow up to 35 metres tall[, ]. The bole is unbuttressed but fluted; usually clear of branches for 18 - 24 metres; and 40 - 60cm in diameter, though exceptionally trees of up to 100cm in diameter have been recorded[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and timber. It has potential for commercial timber use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern S. America - Guyana, Surinam.

Habitat

Locally abundant and dominant in savannah forest, growing on white sandy soils on or near watersheds; it is also found as a shrub or small tree in low savannah forest and savannahs[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The tree coppices freely[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the inner bark is used as a treatment for asthma and dysentery.
Applied externally, the bark decoction is used as a wash on cuts, ulcers and areas infected with 'ground itch' between the toes[]. The powdered bark is sprinkled on sores and wounds to encourage healing[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark reddish brown, sometimes with paler streaks showing, and has an oily feel and appearance. The texture is coarse and the grain varies from straight to irregular, but is generally very irregular[]. The wood is reported to be rather difficult to work as could be expected of a wood of its high density, irregular grain, coarse texture, and oily nature, but is reported to finish smoothly[]. It is considered moderately resistant to decay[]. The wood is presently recommended as a general construction timber. Many other uses may be developed when more is known about the mechanical and physical properties[].

Propagation

Seed -

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